Oil & Vinegar features 25 to 30 samples for tasting every day.
Last week when I wandered into Short Pump Town Center to make a return at Banana Republic, a new shop across the way caught my eye. Oil & Vinegar opened just about a month ago and is the first of this small chain to arrive in Richmond (there is a location in Charlottesville). Upon stopping in, I couldn't help but be attracted to the giant table of oils and vinegars — the shop offers 25 to 30 samples to try daily. As the name would imply, there are tons upon tons of oil and vinegar varieties. I sampled both white and black truffle oil, pear balsamic vinegar, jalepeno oil, fig balsamic vinegar and a variety of other items I can't remember.
I chose Elderflower Apple Lime vinegar to come home with me — the herbal and citrus flavors are perfect to pour over fresh greens without any additives (hello low calorie salad dressing!). This vinegar was one of the many oils and vinegars sold from taps — you simply choose a size of bottle to purchase, then choose your filler. Once you run out, you can bring your clean bottle back and get it refilled with something different. Pretty cool.Along with the on-tap selections, Oil & Vinegar carries a variety of other products, such as imported bottled vinegars, pestos, herb mixes, pastas, serving pieces and more. I had my eye on some truffle pesto and will probably be returning for it. Stop in and check it out — it's a great spot for gifting yourself or someone else.
